Roadworks lifted to help Sussex drivers this Christmas

Drivers in Sussex face an easier trip this Christmas and New Year when almost 50 miles of Highways England roadworks are lifted across the south-east to help journeys go smoothly.

Highways England aims to complete or lift 148 schemes across the country by 6am Wednesday December 23 – leaving 98% of its 9,534-mile network free of roadworks in time for the holidays.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We are on the side of the honest motorist, making it easier for people to get around, as well as creating jobs and opportunities.”

“It’s impossible to improve roads without some element of engineering work, but I also know how frustrating they can be. We are determined to apply common sense to our roads so we can minimise disruption.

“Clearing roadworks over Christmas is a big win for motorists. Over the period millions of families will get in the car to visit loved ones. This move will allow hardworking people to travel around freely at Christmas time and see friends and family.”

Highways England Director of Customer Operations, Melanie Clarke, said: “This Christmas, we’re clearing roadworks across the majority of motorways and major A-roads in England to help people make important journeys to see family and friends.

“Where possible, we’ve completed or lifted roadworks, leaving more lanes open and lifting many of the associated speed restrictions to help people travelling over the festive period.

“Drivers can do their bit to make their festive journeys run smoothly by planning longer journeys ahead of time and checking weather and travel conditions before setting out.

“It’s also worth packing an emergency winter kit in your boot, before making any seasonal journeys this Christmas. Make sure you’ve got de-icer, an ice-scraper, warm clothes, boots and a torch, in case your vehicle breaks down.”

To help drivers, Highways England will complete 273 miles of roadworks at 105 locations before the holiday. A further 43 sets of roadworks and lane restrictions will be removed across 128 miles of carriageway by 6am on Wednesday 23 December, until midnight on Saturday 2 January.

There are fewer roadworks on England’s major roads this Christmas – with 192 schemes compared to 219 this time last year.

Drivers need to plan and allow sufficient time for their journeys. For the safety of drivers and their passengers, lane restrictions or temporary speed limits will need to remain at 43 locations. Around 196 miles of roadworks will need to stay out over the festive period this year, compared to 268 last year.

The latest travel information can be found at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic, winter driving advice is available at www.metoffice.gov.uk/winterhighways, and you can get regular winter updates at www.facebook.com/winterhighways.

There are narrow lanes in place along the A13 between Wennington and A1012 using a temporary barrier system with a mandatory 40mph speed limit in place to protect road users and the workforce (the speed limit is normally 50mph). We have maintained capacity with the same number of lanes available as when there is no traffic management. - 8 miles of roadworks - Nil to Slight

Reason roadworks cannot be lifted for the Christmas Bank Holiday: Narrow lanes in place

A20 Dover Courtwood (near Dover). Traffic Assessment scheme and will include reduced speed limits of 40mph along with a full closure of the entry slip road at Coutwood

Full closure of Courtwood Interchange and a 40mph speed limit will be in place between Courtwood and Western Heights Roundabout. - 6.8 miles of roadworks - Nil to slight

Reason roadworks cannot be lifted for the Christmas Bank Holiday: This is an ongoing traffic assessment scheme so will remain in place to eradicate congestion in Dover.

A21 Tonbridge to Pembury (near Tunbridge Wells). Narrow lanes and 40mph speed limit will remain in place. Reduced speed limit of 40mph will remain in place - 6.8 miles of roadworks - Nil to slight

M3 junctions 2 to 4a (near Farnborough). Works to enable the road to become a smart motorway. Combination of verge and central reserve works - 17.5 miles of roadworks - Moderate. Reason roadworks cannot be lifted for the Christmas Bank Holiday: Narrow lanes and a 50 mph speed limit in place, restriction alongside open excavations, prevent unsafe manoeuvres.

M4 j4 to j3 (near Hillingdon). 24hrs hard shoulder closure for VMS renewals. Hard shoulder closure - 1.1 miles of roadworks - Nil to slight. Reason roadworks cannot be lifted for the Christmas Bank Holiday: Vehicle restraint system (barrier) is not in place and can’t be installed due to existing live cables.

M25 between j29 and j31 (near Aveley, Thurrock). Upgrade to M25 both carriageways. Work involves drainage, earthworks, retaining walls, new gantries, wall to centre reserve and surfacing works. Narrow lanes through the scheme on both carriageways with a mandatory 50mph speed restriction (normally de-restricted). Presently working in a verge phase off the hard shoulder with temporary steel safety barrier so traffic running in L3/2/1 - 2.5 miles of roadworks - Nil to slight. Reason roadworks cannot be lifted for the Christmas Bank Holiday: Narrow lanes in place